23 Old Fashioned Side Dishes for Christmas Dinner
This is my go-to list for classic side dishes for the holidays. The kids will love the corn casserole. The grandparents will go crazy over ambrosia and spinach soufflé. And do you remember the Seven Layer Salad from when you were a kid?! There’s truly something for everyone.
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Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a given. This recipe is simple enough that you can whip it up right before dinner or make ahead and keep warm.
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Add cream and bacon; I swear you’ll win everyone over. This stovetop, cast-iron skillet recipe frees up some oven space.
Snowflake Rolls
A roll that takes a little effort, but it’s pillowy and gorgeous on the table. A pull-apart roll that can be baked the morning of.
Scalloped Corn with Cracker Topping
The most-loved side by kids. This is the recipe everyone always asks for. It’s sweet, salty, and pairs well with just about anything. It’s ready in just under an hour.
White Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes
Tender potatoes baked with cream and topped with white cheddar cheese. A side dish special enough for holidays and easy enough for everyday.
Cast Iron Skillet Green Beans
Another skillet recipe that keeps the oven wide open. I love this recipe because it comes together in 20 minutes and makes me feel good for putting something green on the table.
Glazed Carrots
This is a good one to pull out when you’re short on time and want something quick with ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Creamed Onions
Easy and elegant – that’s why I love this recipe. A little goes a long way, and this recipe pairs amazingly with a prime rib roast.
Candied Sweet Potatoes
Another one loved by kids and worth making again if you already made it for Thanksgiving. This recipe goes great with a roasted ham.
White Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes
Prep this ahead of time and throw it in the oven while your roast is resting. Plus, these potatoes make great leftovers.
Waldorf Salad
This salad adds fresh apples and cream to cut through the richness of the rest of the table. It can’t be made too far ahead of time, though, or the apples won’t stay crisp.
Cheesy Potato Casserole
If you’re short on oven space, grab this crockpot potato recipe. It’s also incredibly simple and low maintenance because it uses frozen hash browns.
Ambrosia
Make this in the morning to cut down on afternoon prep. This is another hit with the kids; it’s SO easy to make (the kids can even do it!). We love pairing it with a Christmas ham.
Duchess Potatoes
Fancy without trying too hard. This recipe is easier than you’d think, and the result is pretty little potato pillows that look amazing on a Christmas spread.
Seven Layer Salad
Believe it or not, you can make this salad the night before. It’s a classic that makes enough to feed a crowd.
Spinach Soufflé
Make this for the older crowd, and they will love you for it. We have spinach dip, and they have spinach soufflé…it’s creamy, rich, and delicious. This is just the right recipe size, too, so that everyone can try a little scoop.
Baked Acorn Squash
This recipe is so simple (just cut and bake) and is still one of the most flavorful dishes on the table.
Braised Red Cabbage
This dish wins for best Christmas color. The purple is stunning on the table, and it has all the flavors that make you think of Christmas.
Twice Baked Potatoes
If you’re serving steak for Christmas dinner, these potatoes will pair perfectly. You might not even need any other sides; they cover all the bases.
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